Chapter 73: The Opening and the Face-to-Face
A beautiful night under a full moon.
The world's largest cooking competition organized by the WGO—BLUE—had begun.
Just like Totsuki Academy, the venue was on a grand scale. This time, the stage was an entire castle. A moat of water surrounded it, making it clear that an enormous amount of money had been invested.
Because of the mindset I carried over from my previous life, I reflexively thought about how much money was being spent on something like a cooking competition. These days, I was constantly being reminded just how significant the existence of cooking was in this world.
"It's finally here! Shogo!"
"Yeah. How's your motivation, Soma?"
"Hell yeah, obviously! I'm overflowing with it! Right, Tadokoro?"
"Fueh!? Y-yes! I'll do my very best!"
Together with Soma and Tadokoro, who had also earned their spots in BLUE through the Blue Preliminaries like me, I arrived at the venue. Looking around, I saw renowned chefs standing everywhere, showing just how high the level of this competition truly was.
"Shogo! I'm definitely going to have a match with you in this BLUE! And I'm going to win for sure!"
"If we get matched up, sure. If that happens… I'll face you seriously."
"…! Hehe, that's what I wanted to hear. I'm looking forward to it!"
Since I had turned down his challenges so many times before, it would be rude not to face him properly at least once in the end. After all, Soma and I are friends.
Well, whether the matchups will go exactly like in the original story is something even I don't know. I'll leave that to the protagonist's plot armor. If he really wants to fight me, he'll have to draw that luck himself.
As I was chatting casually with Soma and the others, a large monitor in front of us lit up. The person who appeared on screen was Anne, the First-Class Executive of the WGO whom I had used during Lanterby's conquest.
"Everyone, thank you for gathering here."
Anne began with a concise greeting and moved on to explain the outline of this BLUE event.
She explained that participants had to pass through a total of three gates to reach the main castle venue. The winner of this year's BLUE would be decided by the two chefs who overcame all the trials and reached the keep. The rules were simple and easy to understand. In short, it was a large-scale survival competition where the strong would prevail—the usual format.
"…It looks like it's going to be a tough fight."
Right after the rules explanation ended, Erina appeared from behind us.
She seemed tense, but her complexion was better than I had expected. It looked like she had managed to secure enough sleep.
"Oh, Nakiri!"
"I was worried because I couldn't find you~ I'm glad you're here."
"Erina-san… Are you fully prepared?"
"…Yes. Surprisingly, I feel lighter than I thought. …Fufu, maybe it's because you're here."
"I think so too. If you're distracted by unnecessary things, you won't even be able to fight me."
Even to my provocative words, Erina responded with a smile. Her mental state seemed stable, so I didn't need to worry.
The lovey-dovey sessions I had done beforehand under the guise of mental care must have worked.
"—Well then, do your best. Soma, Tadokoro-san, Erina-san."
"Hey! Wait a minute! Where are you going, Shogo!"
"The trial for the First Gate is about to start!"
"Sorry, I was given a seed slot. I've already passed the First Gate."
This wasn't because I was from the Santoku family, but simply because the organizers had recognized my ability.
They also added that my results in the cooking competitions I had entered between April and July to build my name had been taken into consideration, but I couldn't fully accept that. Still, if they were going to give me an advantage, I'd gladly take it.
"Soma, if you want to fight me, make sure you don't lose. Tadokoro-san, if you show your true ability, you can advance too. Good luck."
"Bring it on! Wash your neck and wait for me!"
"Y-yeah! I'll definitely catch up!"
My starting point was the Third Gate. Since there was still time until the trial began, I planned to finish the face-to-face meeting first.
With the other God's Tongue, who was looking down at us from the keep.
▲▽▲▽▲▽▲▽▲▽▲▽
"…Ah, hello there. Thank you for your hard work."
As I crossed the bridge past the Third Gate, two men appeared before me. They were Nakiri Senzamon, the previous previous headmaster of Totsuki Academy, and Nakiri Azami, the previous headmaster.
I had arranged to meet them here. Both men had deep connections to the person I was about to meet.
"Thank you for agreeing to accompany me, Senzamon-dono. Since I intend to speak my mind, my words may come across as somewhat rude… Please forgive me in advance."
"No need to worry. On the contrary, I am the one who should be grateful. You are helping with the reunion of my estranged daughter and foolish son."
"…Father-in-law. Please refrain from saying such things in front of outsiders."
"What are you saying? Santoku-kun is in a romantic relationship with Erina, is he not? He is hardly an outsider."
"I-I haven't approved of that yet—"
"Time is precious, so shall we go? …And Azami. I permitted your presence here out of goodwill, after evaluating your recent work. —Do not say anything unnecessary."
"…U-understood."
After silencing Azami, I entered the castle interior with the two of them. Since the castle was newly built, the stairs were easy to climb.
After finally reaching the top floor, I spoke with a WGO Executive and successfully received permission for the audience. The mastermind behind the entire BLUE competition—the final boss of the last arc—made her appearance.
"—Nice to meet you, I suppose? …Santoku Shogo."
A woman sat cross-legged on the tatami with an arrogant attitude, greeting us with a cynical smile.
Her golden hair and fair skin reminded me of my beloved lover, and her overall appearance clearly showed their blood relation.
Nakiri Mana.
The head of the WGO organization, holding the title of "Special Executive Bookmaster." A person born with the pinnacle of human taste—the "God's Tongue." She was Nakiri Erina's biological mother. In other words, she was also Azami's wife. Though the two weren't even trying to look at each other.
As expected of someone who led one of the world's largest organizations, her presence was overwhelming. In terms of sheer pressure felt face-to-face, she was close to my own father. It seemed she hadn't gone through hardship for nothing.
"It is an honor to meet you. First, thank you for granting me this audience."
"Enough with the formalities. The fact that you brought Father and that man with you already shows you aren't here for a pleasant chat, correct?"
She was quick to catch on, just like her father. Maybe all highly competent people were like this.
"Then, if you'll allow me to speak plainly… I came here because there is something I wish to discuss with you."
"Speak. I will listen."
"—Please give me your daughter."
The three people besides me froze at my direct words. So this is what it means for the air to freeze. It was a valuable experience.
"W-what are you saying all of a sudden!? Santoku-kun!"
"Fuhahaha! What a bold man! Even I did not see that coming!"
"Father, you are laughing too much. …However, there is no doubt he has considerable courage. To say such a thing not only in front of me, but in front of Father and that man as well."
The Nakiri family members were in quite a state of confusion.
Well, I was the one who said something to cause that confusion.
"This is a personal matter, but I am seriously dating Erina-san. Therefore, I wanted to greet you properly, Mana-san. As for why I asked Senzamon-dono and Azami-san to accompany me… do I need to explain?"
"You are young, but quite the impudent brat for a Santoku."
"I am honored by your praise."
"Fufu, you have quite the nerve. I wish that man over there would learn from you. He cannot even show his face without an escort."
The comment flew toward Azami. Though it was his own fault, I felt a little sorry for him.
"May I have your answer?"
"—Do as you like. She is already an adult. I have no right to interfere. …Though truthfully, I have no qualification to interfere anyway."
"…Mana."
Her arrogant posture with her cheek resting on her hand didn't change, but Nakiri Mana's face clouded over slightly. It seemed she did feel some guilt toward Erina after all, and had no intention of acting like a mother at this point.
Personally, I thought that was the correct attitude, but it wouldn't make Erina happy. I had come all the way here specifically to improve the Nakiri family situation—especially Erina's home environment.
Azami should handle his own issues, but the relationship between Erina and Mana, which had been twisted by the "God's Tongue," could not be naturally repaired. For Erina to have a happy married life, I needed to make them regain their shape as a family during this BLUE.
"An immediate answer. Though Azami-san still opposes it."
"Let him say what he wants. He has always been all talk and no substance. He won't accomplish anything anyway."
"He is currently working splendidly as my subordinate. Desperately trying to reclaim what he once let go of with his own hands."
"…Santoku-kun."
Azami had been doing nothing but calling my name in a daze for a while now. Say something to the wife you haven't seen in a long time, you pathetic man.
"I am not asking for your opinion. Whatever that man is doing or where he is has nothing to do with me. The same goes for Erina."
"So I may have her?"
"That is what I said. Besides… I hold you in high regard, Santoku Shogo."
"Enough to grant me a seed slot all the way to the Third Gate?"
"Fufu, you saw through it."
I didn't have solid proof, but my guess had been correct.
Even if my results in cooking competitions were evaluated, I had only participated in five or six events between April and July. Even if I had won all of them, this seed slot was far too generous. The appropriate line without complaints would have been the Second Gate. …Yet my starting point was the Third Gate. If I were to guess who decided my seed slot with a single word, only the top of the organization could pull off such a move.
In other words, it was Nakiri Mana's doing.
"I am honored to receive such high expectations."
"Yes, live up to them fully. —After all, among the chefs of the 'surface' world, you are the only one worth expecting anything from."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Don't play dumb. You know, don't you? The chefs of the 'underworld'… the 'Noir Chefs of Midnight.'"
Yes, I know them very well. …Though I can't exactly say that.
"This BLUE was originally held with expectations for the 'underworld' chefs… but for some reason, the 'Noir Chefs of Midnight' I had my eye on all declined to participate. It left me in quite a difficult position."
Well, I did crush their main forces and bring them into my own organization.
I'll tell her about Asahi after BLUE is over. It'll save time if I tell both Erina and Mana at once.
"So you have no expectations for anyone from the 'surface' besides me. I'm glad to be evaluated highly, but… doesn't that seem a bit hasty?"
"Oh? Are you saying there are other skilled chefs besides yourself?"
"Of course. There are several who can meet expectations, but the best one would still be… Nakiri Erina-san."
Upon hearing my answer, Nakiri Mana frowned, her characteristic slanted eyebrows twisting in displeasure.
"…That is not possible. That alone is not possible."
"Is the reason her 'God's Tongue'?"
The moment I spoke that term, the previously somewhat relaxed atmosphere in the room changed completely, becoming heavy and oppressive.
Nakiri Mana glared at me with wrinkles between her brows, while Azami and Senzamon-dono standing behind radiated palpable tension.
"With the 'God's Tongue,' one cannot satisfy oneself. Because that is something you have already failed at."
"…If I were in good health, I would have punched that well-arranged face of yours. —You are correct. I have no use for the 'God's Tongue.' Erina can never create a dish that satisfies me."
I could sense unwavering conviction in her strained voice. This person had already fallen into despair. The curse known as the "God's Tongue."
That was exactly why I had to say it. Don't get carried away.
"What do you even know about Erina?"
"…What? What do you mean by that?"
"Exactly what it sounds like. You left her when she was young. What could you possibly know? You claim the 'God's Tongue' cannot satisfy you because your own 'God's Tongue' could not satisfy yourself. That much I understand. …However, there is one condition required before you can assume that premise is correct."
I paused for a breath and looked straight into Mana's eyes.
"The condition that you are a better chef than Nakiri Erina."
"T-that's…"
"You don't know what kind of chef Erina has become. You couldn't possibly know. You weren't by her side. You abandoned your role as a mother and threw away your family."
"S-Santoku-kun! That is going too far no matter how you look at it!"
"First runner, stay silent."
"…Kuh."
The only one who tried to stop me was Azami. Senzamon-dono remained silent and observant. It was good that I had warned him beforehand that I might say rude things.
"It is true that you are a victim of the 'God's Tongue.' Not being able to enjoy meals properly, to the point where nothing can even pass your throat—it must be a living hell. Seeing Azami, who devoted his life to cooking for your sake, break down must have left a deep wound in your heart as well."
"…Mana."
"…That man has nothing to do with this. Even I couldn't do it. …I even regretted burdening him with something too heavy."
It was their business if the married couple wanted to lick each other's wounds, but I still hadn't said everything I wanted to say.
I grabbed Azami's arm and forcibly moved him next to Mana. After lining up the problem couple, I spoke on Erina's behalf, facing them head-on.
"—There are parents who do not need their children, but there are no children who do not need their parents."
""...!""
"You two will properly watch Erina during this competition. Make up for all the time you looked away by watching her as much as possible."
Both husband and wife lowered their faces with regret. They really were alike in their stubbornness.
"—Well then, since I have said what I wanted to say, I will take my leave. Also, Azami… No, Azami. You will stay here and watch the competition with Mana-san. Sit next to her and do not leave her side."
"B-but…"
"It is an order from your superior. —Your response?"
"…Understood."
I forced Azami, who was trying to stand, back into his seat, then turned to Senzamon-dono, who had silently watched over everything.
"Thank you, Senzamon-dono. I will now begin my preparations. What will you do? Will you stay here and watch with the two of them?"
"No, I shall head down as well. …Mana, Azami. You do not need to force yourselves to look at each other. Simply stay close and watch over Erina."
Hearing those words, Mana and Azami slowly turned their gazes toward each other. They quickly looked away again, but Azami closed the distance between them just a little. It seemed he had shown the minimum amount of courage as a man.
"Please enjoy the competition."
"W-wait! Santoku Shogo! …How can you remain so composed? …What do you seek by being here? What benefit is there for you in doing all this…?"
"…Haha. It is for my purpose. I am not such a good person that I would try to improve a married couple's relationship without any benefit."
"And what is that purpose? What drives you to go this far?"
It was Mana asking, but I also felt gazes from Azami and Senzamon-dono. Since there was nothing to hide, I answered honestly.
"Only 'Santoku Shogo' can make 'Nakiri Erina' happy. …I simply want to prove that."
My purpose had not changed at all since the beginning.
To obtain Nakiri Erina and live according to my desires. In this second life, I have no regrets. All I think about is making the women who love me happy.
"…I will not interfere with the marriage itself, but if you wish to speak of joining the Nakiri family as a son-in-law, you should ask Father. It is not something I can decide alone."
"Please do not worry. I have already taken care of that matter."
When I turned my face slightly to confirm, Senzamon-dono showed a gentle smile.
"Fufu, I understand."
"—Well then, we will be going. Thank you for your time."
I left the room with Senzamon-dono and descended the stairs. Walking down the stairs alongside this man felt somewhat tense.
"…However, am I to take that as a request for permission? Santoku Shogo."
"No, the request is something else. It is a single, simple favor, so please rest assured."
"I am not worried. Besides, I owe you a debt I cannot fully repay. I will not interfere. Do as you wish."
"Yes. —I shall do so."
From here on, it was time for a pure contest.
The final stage where only those who wished to win could fight.
I clenched my fist tightly and lifted the corners of my mouth.
This feeling would probably only happen this once. It was a one-time occurrence, perhaps even a mistake. That was fine. Precisely because of that, I could believe this feeling was not false.
For the first time in my life, cooking felt fun.
***
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